Start Clean, Stay Clean with Weed Control

Sep 23, 2019


Weed control is an important issue for all phases of production agriculture, and the “Start Clean, Stay Clean” approach is one piece of the puzzle to yield success.

No doubt you’ve heard the saying “start clean” when referring to pre-plant herbicides. However, a post-harvest weed control program can be just as important because it can help your fields “stay clean.” Many of the weed issues we experience before springtime burndown actually start in the fall — an early, easier time to control them.

An application of glyphosate, gramoxone, or 2,4-D, along with Interlock and a good surfactant like Preference, can take care of weeds that appear in the fall. Keep in mind that these type of products kill only what is “green and growing.” If you are looking for a long-term solution, products like Valor have fall burndown labeling and can offer pre-emerge and longer control.

In either case, timing is critical. Make sure you have adequate soil moisture. Avoid spraying really early. Allow the dew to burn off and the leaves to dry.

If possible, these applications should be made before a killing frost. An added bonus to a fall burndown is elimination of over-wintering havens for insects.

For more information about fall burndown and weed control, contact your local Co-op agronomist.
 

Read More News

Apr 02, 2024
Advanced research and tried-and-true techniques will be on display throughout the year and across the state during the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) in-person and online field days in 2024. Most events are hosted at UT AgResearch and Education Centers throughout the state and feature UTIA researchers and Extension specialists as expert speakers.
Dec 08, 2023
As this December issue of The Cooperator goes to print, the 2023 harvest season is drawing to a close. Although the final report from the United States Department of Agriculture wasn't available by press time, one farmer is reporting one of his best harvests to date.
Nov 06, 2023
According to a Sept. 12 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), corn harvest has ramped up and fall hay cutting and baling has continued steadily. Soybeans are filling pods and dropping leaves, quickly approaching harvest time. Cotton crops are inching towards opening bolls with conditions looking good across the board. Overall, dry weather is allowing for ample field work, and crop conditions remain strong as harvest season kicks into full gear. See the below harvest insights and predictions from the NASS report at press time of Sept. 12, 2023.